What is an MBA (Master of Business Administration)?

 MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. In Japan, it is called a Master of Business Administration, and it is a degree conferred upon completing a master's degree in business administration and is different from a qualification. This "What is an MBA?" page provides information such as the current position of MBA in Japan, the characteristics of MBA programs in Japan and abroad, costs, and points for choosing a business school.

The meaning of an MBA and the value of an MBA

1. MBA is a master's degree in business administration

MBA is an abbreviation for Master of Business Administration. In Japanese, the degree is called Master of Business Administration, or Master of Business Administration, and is awarded upon completion of a graduate master's program in business administration.

MBA is often confused with qualifications (national qualifications, business exclusive qualifications, etc.), but it is not a qualification but a "degree". Qualifications are required to perform a certain act, but a degree is a title given to a person who has completed a certain specialized field of study. Graduate schools that offer MBA programs, commonly known as business schools, are mainly aimed at working adults. The Wharton School in the United States, established in 1881, was the world's first business school, and the Harvard Business School, established in 1908, is said to have laid the foundation for the current MBA program.

As the number of students increased due to the independent development of each school, social recognition of the MBA increased, and about 35 years after the opening of Wharton School, an international organization to accredit the MBA program appeared, leading to the current development. I was. This has many similarities with the history of ISO 9001 and other certifications becoming widespread after the quality control method was fully established at the manufacturing sites in Japan. However, it is universally accepted that the evaluation of business professionals is not based on the output and results of their work as executives and managers. In the same way, the evaluation of MBA programs will be evaluated socially based on "to what extent MBA program graduates are active in a wide range of fields."

The purpose of an MBA program is to develop managers and business professionals who support management in a short period of time, and the curriculum is generally designed to acquire knowledge of the three elements of management: people, things, and money. target. In addition, some business schools in the United States and other countries have curricula that are in line with current trends, such as technology. The average age is mainly in the late 20s overseas, and in Japan it is mainly in the mid to late 30s. Each MBA school in Japan has various characteristics, from "MBA that emphasizes practicality" to "MBA that treats management as an academic subject and offers a strong academic program".

2. An MBA that needs to change with the times

1. An MBA that is not bound by existing frameworks

Conventional MBA curricula generally only cover the three elements of management: people, things, and money. On the other hand, the evolution of technology has changed the structure of business itself, and society is also undergoing major changes. In addition, life expectancy has entered an era of 100 years, and work styles, careers, and lifestyles are beginning to change. There are also MBA programs that incorporate curricula such as technology and design while maintaining the traditional theory of management as the basis.

In addition, in order to live better in this rapidly changing era, there is also a need for a place where individuals can face their careers, lifestyles, and ambitions. Each MBA school has its own unique curriculum that matches the changing times, implements a system that allows students to take even one subject, and acquires international accreditation.

An MBA accredited by an international accreditation body is accredited under the framework of a conventional MBA and does not guarantee that the content is in line with the changing times. When choosing an MBA in the future, it will be an important decision axis whether it is a conventional MBA or a new era MBA that responds to the changes of the times.

2. An MBA school that has evolved into a diverse range of learning styles

Changes are occurring not only in curricula but also in learning styles, and some business schools allow students to take classes not only on campus but also online. Online MBA classes differ depending on the graduate school, such as the format of learning by watching videos and the live discussion format, as in the classroom. There are also business schools where you can choose between on-campus and online courses for each subject. It is now possible to choose a school that allows you to choose a course format that suits your lifestyle.

3. The success of graduates is an essential criterion for MBA selection

There are various criteria for choosing an MBA, such as development policy, quality of classes, curriculum, convenience, networking, and cost of acquisition. Also, in Japan in particular, there is not much of a link between an MBA and corporate hiring and evaluation, compared to Europe and the United States, where an MBA is the gateway to becoming a manager or executive. It doesn't really matter whether you have international certification or not, what is emphasized is the individual's "ability" and "performance" as a manager or a business professional. Therefore, when choosing a domestic MBA, it is important to choose from the perspective of "which university's MBA program can maximize your abilities."

The most obvious way to determine this is the activities of our graduates. In order to learn about the activities of alumni, you may see the school name in various articles such as newspapers, but it is also possible to introduce it on each school's website, talk with alumni at each school's campus and at briefing sessions. can also do. In addition, there are countless opportunities, such as listening directly to MBA holders around you. In addition, MBA is not a place to acquire only knowledge like a qualification school. Networking is also a value that an MBA brings, and from that point of view as well, it is essential to consider the perspective of "successful achievements of graduates" as a criterion for MBA selection.

4. MBA seminars and open campuses (experience classes & information sessions)

Many business schools hold seminars and open campuses (information sessions) related to MBA. Open campuses are a great opportunity to learn about the characteristics of each school, as many graduate schools offer hands-on classes and opportunities to exchange opinions with current students and alumni. The atmosphere of each business school varies greatly. In addition, compatibility with school is an unexpectedly important factor in leading a hard life of balancing work and work. Especially after 2020, due to the spread of coronavirus infection, more and more schools are holding information sessions and seminars online. If you are interested in MBA, we strongly recommend that you first participate in these events, experience the atmosphere of the actual school, and start preparing after you are satisfied.